How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)



Submitting your resume online? Then you’re likely dealing with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These automated systems scan, filter, and rank resumes before a human even sees them. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be rejected before it gets a chance.

The good news? With a few formatting tweaks and the right keywords, you can beat the bots and impress hiring managers.


🎯 Top 5 ATS Resume Tips

1. Skip the Templates

  • Use a plain Word document (.doc format is best).
  • Avoid .docx, PDF, RTF, or image formats—some systems can’t read them.

2. Keep Formatting Simple

Avoid:

  • Headers/footers (even for your contact info)
  • Columns, tables, text boxes, and borders
  • Symbols or accents (bullet points are OK)

3. Customize for Each Job

  • Use the exact job title from the job description.
  • Add specific keywords and phrases from the job post.
  • Be precise—write “Adobe Photoshop,” not “image-editing software.”

4. Use Keywords in Context

  • Don’t just list skills—use them in action-oriented bullet points.
  • Example: “Led a team of designers using Adobe Photoshop to deliver client campaigns.”

5. Proofread Like a Pro

  • Misspelled words = missed opportunity.
  • Human reviewers will see your resume next, so keep it error-free.

âś… Additional Formatting Tips

  • Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, or Georgia
  • Stick with 11-point font or larger
  • Dates should include months (e.g., 06/2020 – 08/2022)
  • Align dates to the right
  • Don’t include degrees next to your name (e.g., “Jane Doe, MBA”)
  • Use ALL CAPS for section headers
  • Write acronyms in full: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Avoid: accents, punctuation in your name, or funky spacing

💡 Best Practices (Do’s & Don’ts)

âś… DO:

  • Include certifications in progress (e.g., “Pursuing PMP certification”)
  • Upload your resume when given the option (looks better than copy-paste)
  • Add brief context about each company or role after job titles
  • Monitor your spam folder for ATS confirmation emails
  • Use bold, caps, and bullet points for readability—just don’t overdo it

❌ DON’T:

  • Don’t add degrees or certifications to your name line
  • Don’t fake skills to trick the system—you may be tested
  • Don’t mix multiple fonts or font sizes
  • Don’t submit plain .txt files—modern ATS can handle basic formatting

📎 Download: ATS-Friendly Resume Checklist (PDF)

Add a downloadable checklist here for extra value—something like a 1-page PDF summary of these tips.


📢 Final Thoughts

An optimized resume isn’t just about tricking the system—it’s about making your experience clear and easy to understand, whether a bot or a hiring manager is reading it.

Need a second set of eyes on your resume?
Contact us or book a resume review session and we’ll help you get interview-ready.


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